Harnessing molecular assembly phenomena in multidimensional printed organic functional materials

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Our research program aims to harness physicochemical knowledge related to the molecular principles at play in multidimensional printed organic functional materials to facilitate the development of 3D printed objects with built-in, localized functionalities relevant for numerous applications, including energy conversion. *** Additive manufacturing, also referred to as three-dimensional (3D) printing, is revolutionizing the way materials are designed and produced. For instance, 3D printing is capable of generating on-demand and customized objects in complex geometrical form without requiring expensive tools or multi-step processes. However, this level of democratization has not been translated yet to the fabrication of 3D printed objects that require to perform specific functionality, such as sensing, optoelectronic and energy conversion. Currently, there is no technique capable to print the object form and function all at once. *** In this context, the long-term goal of our research aims to address this challenge by harnessing molecular assembly phenomena to facilitate localized built-in functionalities in 3D printed materials, bypassing the 3D printing equipment limitations, and rather develop and exploit chemical assembly concepts. *** Although the aforementioned functionalities emerge from a property that is dictated by the molecular organization of a functional material, which is itself influenced by the material's processing, the structure-property-function relationships in 3D printed organic functional materials, and more specifically in organic semiconducting (OSC) compounds, remain largely unexplored. *** Hence, we propose to investigate structure-processing-property-function relationships involved in the 3D printing of multicomponent OSC materials, with the following objectives: 1) Elucidating the mechanisms contributing to the preparation of aligned (long-range ordered) 3D printed OSC materials; 2) Understanding the principles governing the in situ formation of OSC nanostructures during 3D printing; and 3) Uncovering novel strategies for the localization of OSC components in 3D printed materials. *** Harnessing this fundamental physicochemical knowledge will help us to understand, control and predict the organization of molecular assemblies in ways that facilitate 3D printing of OSC materials with unprecedented built-in charge transport properties and localized energy conversion functionalities. The expected outcomes of our research program will contribute to unleash the full disruptive innovation potential of 3D printed organic functional materials, in addition to foster new opportunities in energy and manufacturing, contributing to make Canada a recognized leader in these fields. Finally, our program will train highly qualified scientists with a unique multidisciplinary skillset in chemistry of materials, which can be leveraged towards innovative careers meeting the needs in research, industry and government.